Vroeg Blog

2006-12-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Residue From Two Snowstorms

Colorado made the BBC News again this weekend by virtue of being pounded by its second snowstorm in two weeks. Fortunately, my flights in and out of Denver for Christmas will have just made it both times.

2006-12-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

Divine Value Placed on Broken Things

This Christmas season I have been reading from St. Athanasius' On the Incarnation, a patristic classic written by a twenty year old (yeah, amazing) in the 4th century Roman World. Earlier in December I was having troubles honing my thoughts and emotions in on the significance of the season. Among other things, my broken car and the need for a vacation did not help my distracted reflections.

This passage from St. Athanasius came to mind one night:

For the solidarity of mankind is such that, by virtue of the Word's indwelling in a single human body, the corruption which goes with death has lost its power over all. You know how it is when some great king enters a large city and dwells in one of its houses; because of his dwelling in that single house, the whole city is honoured, and enemies and robbers cease to molest it. Even so is it with the King of all; He has come into our country and dwelt in one body amidst the many, and in consequence the designs of the enemy against mankind have been foiled, and the corruption of death, which formerly held them in its power, has simply ceased to be. For the human race would have perished utterly had not the Lord and Saviour of all, the Son of God, come among us to put an end to death.

God the creator entered into a material world filled with twisted and complex circumstances, He embodied a material and fragile vessel, and He associated with broken people. The essence of Christ's incarnation is truly an ineffible miracle. Yet one thing that it accomplished was the placement of real redemptive value on the material things, peopled and circumstances of this world, even and especially the those things that are hopelessly broken and hurting. Merry Christmas.

2006-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Still Not Enough Boxes: A Problem in Analyzing Protestant Politics in America

The Sept/Oct issue of Foreign Affairs has an interesting article entitled "God's Country," in which Walter Russell Meed analyzes the current character and impact of Protestant denominations on U.S. foreign policies.

The article is refreshing for a number of reasons. Meed states that thoughtful, intellectual Christianity can and does have a positive impact on policymaking. He concludes: "As more evangelical leaders acquire firsthand experience in foreign policy, they are likely to provide something now sadly lacking in the world of U.S. foreign policy: a trusted group of experts, well versed in the nuances and dilemmas of the international situation, who are able to persuade large numbers of Americans to support the complex and counter-intuitive policies that are sometimes necessary in this wicked and frustrating--or dare one say it, fallen--world."

Another positive admission Meed makes is that Protestant thought cannot be put into a single box. This is especially important as many politicians and political analysts simply don't know what to do with that giant of influence they often grossly lump together as "evangelicalism." Meed divides this giant into threes: Fundamentalists (most conservative and literal in their interpretaion of Scripture), Liberal Christians (more interested in the "ethical kernel" of Christianity and allying with modernism), and Evangelicals (the largest group, "the middle path" providing a compromise to both extremes).

Although Meed does more justice than most to the complexity of Christian thought, I think his taxonomies could be broken down even further. For one, I think his sketch ostracizes an important theological tradition called cultural Calvinism (a la Abraham Kuyper, among others) which flourishes in denominations such as the the Presbyterian Church of America and the United Reformed Church.

For obvious reason, Calvinism doesn't jive with the compromising Christian Liberalism that Meed describes. Yet Cultural Calvinism doesn't follow to the lead of what Russell terms Evangelicalism either, largely for this group's pre-mil disposition and its tendency towards certain "cognitive dissonance," which Meed observes. In contrast, Most Calvinists don't subscribe to the "Left Behind" paradigm and seek to be intellectually consistent and rigorous. At firt, Cultural Calvinism would seem to fit well into Meed's Fundamentalist Box, e.g., a high view of Scripture, a comprehensive "worldview" that insists on carrying biblical truth to its logical conclusions. Yet, cultural Calvinism entails cardinal doctrines that crucially set it apart from Meed's caricature of fundamentalism, e.g. Common Grace and a view of salvation that is not exclusively soteric (the salvation of souls only) but cultural as well. These doctrines are important to such a Calvinst because they do not render a culturally withdrawn "lifeboat" Christianity (as Russell quotes the "fundamentalist" D.L. Moody as saying).

While Cultural Calvinism holds to God's high sovereignty and the fallenness of the world, it can also maintain that the world is not merely a "wrecked vessel" b/c Common Grace still holds the broken pieces together and, what is more, is indeed redeeming and restoring all of creation--to include the environment, the human body, man's political relationships, as well as souls--from its fallen state. These are grounds for a certain sober cultural and political optimism and constructionism that neither Meed's "fundamentalists" nor his "evangelicals" can provide.

2006-11-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Single-Minded Thoughts About Love

Well, I could have picked a less alarming topic to end my short bout of blogging hibernation, but this has been on my mind of late. "This" refers to the motif of love, coupled with the context of singleness. Don't worry, I'm not going to rant about how I kissed singleness hello, nor am I going to whine my own rendition of Sister Hazel's "If she's out there..." My goal is to be theologically and emotionally honest.

Singles in my walk of life--having just left college and entering a world w/ alot of uncertainties--often desire "someone else" for the sake of security or support. Many of my friends are in this position, and can at times even grasp for dating, coupling up, or what have you as a panacea to all problems relating to uncertainty, unresolved emotions, life-planning, and even Friday night boredom.

Overall, I thinks there's a certain yearning here that is good. But to assume these desires stop short at a beautiful woman or a marriage-able guy is short-sighted. We are deeper creatures than that.

In "The Weight of Glory" C.S. uses the German word siensucht to term this idea of deep yearning; he furthermore warns of such short-sightedness: these good, earthly things we desire (call it beauty if you want) "if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of the their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited."

Lately, I've been attempting a strange experiment. I will be listening to a love song and try to imagine that the lyrics, rather than being written by one human to another, are an expression of love from God to me--in very "real" terms. This exercise can have obvious pit-falls, but seriously take the idea for what it's worth. That we laugh at such a notion is a symptom of a common problem in the way many single Christians see themselves and God. We tend to discount the biblical metaphor of Christ and his bride and forget that the "beauty" of Christ is not some theological abstraction, but something very real that should capture our hearts in a very emotional, "pitter-patter" kind of way.

The metaphysical poet John Donne seemed to agree. His "Holy Sonnets" were scrutinized in his day because they wielded very earthy language in prayers and praises to God. "Batter my heart three-personed God." The sonnet itself is a poetical form divined for lovers. It seems that Donne, too, realized that human love and earthly emotional yearning is but a shadow of a deeper relationship.

Being single is not usually the carpe-diem joy ride that some Christian authors try to pitch it as. Yet, I want to propose that being single does offer an opportunity to single-mindedly fall deeper in love with Christ--not in a theological, abstract sense, but in a very real and emotional sense. It is a time to ground one's well of emotions deeper into the true source of purity and beauty. source of purity and beauty. And if the time comes when we are captured by an earthly beauty, knowing and loving the ultimate Source will make the moment all the more true.

2006-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

What's in a Name? In my case, half the alphabet.

I like to think that I have one of those "good strong" last names. "Early in the Meadow," sings the Dutch translation--maybe somewhere down the road my ancestors were shepherds. But Dutch poetry translates into very long and out-of-place sounding words in the linguistically-bland English-speaking world, and this has furnished me with several experiences that your average John Smith has never had to contend with.

5 Years old. Kindergarten. The entire class has learned to write their last names, except for me. In fact, my teacher writes my name on all my papers for me. One day, Mrs. Young informs me that it's time for me to spell my name for myself. That evening, my dad breaks "Vroe-gin-dewey" up into 3 parts and tells me to learn one at a time. I cry, but eventually it get it.

13 Years old. Middle School. "Beavis and Butthead" is a hit among the boys in my class, many of whom put more effort into speaking like the cartoon characters than they do in their schoolwork. Two of these guys realize one day that "VROEgindewey" sounds funny in Beavis and Butthead voices. It becomes their favorite word, the entire year.

18 Years old. High School. I'm late for work, so I make a California stop at the stop sign. Seconds later, I pass a cop--he flashes his lights, I pull over and reach for my driver's license. After very respectfully and apologetically explaining that I was late for work, the officer gives me a warning, or rather a threat: "Well, Mr......Ryan, if I even catch you again I'm gonna hammer you--b/c you have a really weird last name, and I won't forget it."

21 Years old. College. I'm presenting a paper at a history conference held at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. This is Dutch county, U.S.A, where they actually hold annual Tulip festivals. This is a predominant Dutch-reformed college. In fact, Vroegindewey's have graduated from this college before. And what does my name tag read? "Ryan Vroegendewy." At this point in life, I realize that I am special.

22 Years old. Post-College. I have become a member of my church, and am being introduced to the congregation on Sunday morning. The bulletin lists the names of new members. One of them is, "Brian Vrognindewey." I don't know this guy, but I bet his name translates poetically into Dutch.

2006-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

A Christian Realism?

"Politics will, to the end of history, be an area where conscience and power meet, where the ethical and coercive factors of human life will interprenetrate and work out their tentaive and uneasy consequences." - Reinhold Niebuhr

I recently finished reading The Wisdom of Statecraft, in which Albert Coll synthesizes Christian Historian Herbert Butterfield's ("whig history") writings on Christianity, the study of History, and Statesmanship.

One of Butterfield's distinctions, especially in this decade where nearly everyone self-stylizes himself as a "neoconservative," is that he is maintained as a Christian realist. As one grounded in scriptural truth, Butterfield recognizes morality's normative function in every arena of life, and most certainly in foreign policy. Yet, Butterfield attributes great weight to man's fallen nature, to his rational finitude, and to the immense complexity of the variables in history. Also fundamental to Butterfield's thoughts seems to be his view of Providence, which plays mostly a redemptive, restorative, and largely mysteriouse role in history.

This has some interesting consequences. One is that foreign policies which are fundamentally morally/idealistically bold and historically bold in nature are doomed to at least mostly fail, as well as spawn a number of unintended consequences. Conversely, the prudent play of power plays a less pretty although essential role in statesmanship. This is not unrestrained power (a la Machiavelli), but a sober power tapered by a historian's empathy (for the circumstances of other states); by a statesman's intuitive sense for the proper balance of power (in the international system); and by a leader's burden for his own state's survival.

Butterfield, I am sure, would be a hash critique of statesman like Woodrow Wilson, G. W. Bush, and many neoconservatives. These characters would probably strike Butterfield as presumtuous and self-righteous cowboys trying to break and saddle up on the backs of history and Providence. He would predict that their bold idealism (and perhaps borderlining utopianism) underestimates history's and Providence's flow and character, fails in purpose, and spawns unforseen consequences.

And he would be right in some sense--I do appreciate Butterfield's sober-mindedness, especially for this generation. The comprehensive and complex problem that sin poses to this world and to an arena as morally difficult as foreign policy is very real. But Butterfield's reflections smack of some form of "Christian fatalism" or passivity. While he maintains that Providence is good and that it is always there, it is more of an ineffible geist that speaks and responds out of human brokenness and tregedy than something that gives palpable hope for this world. The natural result would seem to be morally passive statesmanship that is more paranoid with survival that proactivity.

2006-08-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Hotel 4103

"'Relax,' said the night man, 'we are programmed to receive.
You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.'"

It's that time of the year when half of the PCA descends (or ascends, as it is) upon Lookout Mt, GA to return to Covenant, or else to drop their kid off for the first time. One of the fruits of this season of transition is that good friends and their families are in town.

This season also means the transformation of 4103. This summer, 4103 existed primarily as a store-it-yourself facility. At business high points, we provided services for over a dozen clients-- storing suits, computers, a dresser, a grill, a toilet, a television, clothes, 5 couches. and a variety of other personal possessions. True, 6 guys also lived here, but really we only existed for the purpose of protecting said stored goods and ensuring there preservation at a constant 72 degrees.

As fall approaches, however, and stored possessions are reclaimed, 4103 re-markets its services as a place of sleeping and eating for the weary and travel-laden. "Hotel" would be a generous term, but "Hostel" is more appropriate to the spirit of the place. Three days ago, for example, we had 10 guys sleeping in the house, to include a German exchange student named Frank. Last night we hosted a dinner for 30 or so friends and their families, which didn't include Frank but did include Franfurters.

In truth, it's a pleasure to serve our good friends in these ways. There are no mirrors on the ceiling, and we can't guantee Champagne on ice. But there's always planty of room...any time of year...any time of year.

2006-08-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Not a Shred of Terror Here

The boss recently decided that our paper shredder, endearingly known as "Wilson Jones" had to go. Not only was Wilson too old to shred our confidential documents, he just didn't provide the

pre-emptive protection against terror that any office machine should these days.

"Wilson-Jones" -
waiting in terror to be taken by the garbage man.

Fortunately, Office Depot had plenty of "Homeland Security Shredders" on stock. We bought one. The overwhelming sense of safety and security that this investment has brought has been priceless. And I'm pretty sure that Donald Rumsfeld himself uses it.

"The Homeland Security Shredder" -

waiting to take out terrorist garbage.

2006-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Grounds for a Fiesta...

I just read today that McDonald's announced plans to sell its share in Chipotle. Why is this good news? First, Chipotle will no longer have anything to do with its cheap and greasy financial foster parent. Secondly, McD's announcement reminds us that providing thoughful, quality food really is a lucrative enterprise-- McD's itself is making off with quite a sweet profit since Chipotle stocks have doubled since it entered the NYSE in January.

(If you have neither heard of nor tasted Chipotle you have my pity. To make a long and beautiful story short, it's the best burrito franchise ever, begun in Denver, now slyly and stylishly talking the nation by storm.)

2006-07-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

A taste of Southern Heat and Sweet Tea

Last weekend I had the honor of receiving a visit from my sister Shanonon. Her 4-day stay was packed with as much as it could handle, not to exclude a swim at Bear Creek and several bus rides.

2006-07-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

I almost bought a Nano

Last weekend I made a move to take some graduation money I had been given and buy an I-Pod Nano. Since I am privileged to be injected with that Dutch gene of frugality, I tried to cut corners by finding a cheap Nano on Ebay. I entered “I-pod Nano” into the pareto-efficient capitalist search engine and found a 2 gig Nano for $110 bucks. Great, I thought, I’m saving $65. I further realized that the seller was from Ooltewah, TN, which inspired the fabulous idea of meeting up w/ this guy to make the transaction, thereby saving an additional $20 in shipping. Brilliant!

So I begin emailing with “David” and we make arrangements to meet at his workplace. At the arranged time, Fox and I pull up in front of this guy’s van, the both of us sporting Aviators. I hand David the cash, David hands me a….”what is this thing?” It was no Nano, but an imitation MP3 player!

After several awkward and pregnant pauses, and several equally awkward “Uh…I was under the impression that I was buying a Nano,” I asked for my money back. We reversed the transaction, this time exchanging the “goods” for the currency at the same time. I walk back to the car and we drove away. Later I got home and it turns out that Ebay “un-obligated” me from following through on my purchase with David b/c the omniscient E-bay authorities realized that David was engaged in deceptive marketing. My confidence in human nature jolted back in line with my Calvinist convictions, I decided that I could live w/o a Nano.

I’m not sure what the moral of this story is…maybe it’s that one shouldn’t pay for Ebay items in cash and in person, especially in Ooltewah, TN, and in the parking lot of a distribution center. But I think that the Aviators were a good call.

2006-06-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Handling Pan Handlers

Working downtown, I am confronted by money pan-handlers at least twice a day. Sometimes the petitioner's intentions are "obvious:" he will be dirty in appearance and awkward in speech. More often than not, however, I am solicited for cash in some sly and deceitful way.

Just yesterday a guy walked into my office with a gas can in hand, claiming he ran out of gas and that he needed a dollar to fill his can. After I carroted him out of the office with a dollar, he preceded to ask for more money, which confirmed my suspicions that he wasn't after gas. Stuff like this...on and on.

I've been in other cities, and spent a year going to school in Downtown Denver, but have never been in a city with such anaffrontational pan-handling culture. Is it that Chattanooga has more homeless than other cities of its size? Any street-wise wisdom I happen to posses informs me that 99% of these please aren't "legitimate" (which basically means that these folks really want is not food money). Furthermore, it's neither developmental nor good stewardship to just give money away on a regular basis.

All that said, the constant solicitations for money have challenged my tact, my honesty, and my heart. Despite any "common sense" that bears on the matter, each time I say "no" I'm reminded that "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."

My recent resolve is to be honest with my reluctance/inability to give to beggars, but to also offer my time and words to anyone asking for money. Sometimes sacrificing these things is more difficult than cash. But I by no means have this figured out. Surely justice and mercy requires something of us in these circumstances, just what I don't quite know. I covet some input from those of you who live in Chattanooga, Santa Barbara, St. Louis, NY, D.C., and all other urban corners of the map.

2006-06-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Riverbend Survivor's Guide

Chattanooga hosts this annual 8-day festival called Riverbend. It's a pretty big deal in these parts, b/c over a 100 bands come and sport their rhythm and grooves, including such headliner as Trisha Yearwood, Allman brothers, Los Lonely Boys, Sugarland, and Audio Adrenaline (yes, there is a "Christian" night.)

As a bona fide Chattanoogan, I figured it was my right and responsibility to see what this festival was all about. I bought the $27 pin, spent 5 days working up the courage to face the crowds, then plunged in. The result: I have the right to say "yes I have been to Riverbend" and the sobriety to never go again. Here is a catalog of what I learned:

To survive Riverbend...

1. Don't ever try to walk down an obscure-looking roped-down path on which 14-year olds had been having sex the previous day. This kind of thing makes security mad, and they will yell at you.

2. Don't worry about waiting in line for beer. Follow the lead of Bubba Gus, and just bring your own flask filled with Jack Daniels.

3. Don't pay for parking in parking lots that are not actually owned by the person selling "parking." Furthermore, learn to spot hagglers--that cardboard sign that says in barely legible script, "parking--$5" should be a dead giveaway; or maybe that sketchy looking lady chilling in the lawn chair counting that wad of cash. At the very least, that hand written, torn off piece of cardboard that says "parking voucher" is a sure sign you're being had--but at this point, it's too late and you're $5 poorer.

4. Don't try to use your "handicap" friend to get a seat in the handicap section (Thanks for trying, Fox). Again, this makes security mad. And the really mean dude in the wheelchair.

5. Don't wear tight blue jeans shorts. Just don't.

6. Don't sit behind middle/high school kids who don't give a rip about the Allman Brothers. They are really here for the light up thingies that spin around.

7. Don't use the bathroom. Port-o-Potties are the standard here. Accessing a "nice" bathroom will cost you $2/shot...$5 for an all-day pass.

2006-06-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

CARTA Culture

I assume that most of you are not familiar with the ins and outs of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority. For the past couple weeks I have had the daily pleasure of relying on this populist mode of transit to get to and fro work. Let me educate you on some points, just in case you're ever caught in Chatta-vegas without a car.

One good thing to remember when riding a bus is that they don't give change. Just came from the bank, and all you have is a $20? Congratulations, you're buying yourself a $20 bus ticket.

Another good thing to keep in mind is that CARTA buses do not run on time...ever, in my experiences at least. Rather, they are precisely anywhere from three to ten minutes late. Unless they are early. The best thing to do, therefore, is come to the bus stop 5 minutes early, expecting to wait as long as 15 minutes.

Needless to say, enroute times aren't consistent either. Truth is, I don't think timeliness is a virtue in the CARTA worker's union. There's one driver who actually leaves his bus at 4th and Market everyday to go get refreshments at Panera. During another ride, my driver got out of the bus and carried on an 8 minute conversation with some buddies on the sidewalk, then casually got back in to continue his route.

Oh, and I suppose here would be a good place to interject something about bus stops: while it is true that there are marked destinations in which buses "usually" stop, really a bustop can be wherever you want it it be. As one of my CARTA comrades has remarked, it's like one of those "choose your own adventure novels you would read as a kid:" no two rides are the same. The trick is to spot a bus, wave your hand in front of it, and watch the magic. You really do feel like a god, commanding those large iron-clad beasts.

Once you have caught your bus and paid your fare, congratulations--you've entered into the most extroverted public transportation system in the world, where everyone talks to everyone. I myself have met a variety of personalities already: there's the "Cookieman" who served two tours in 'Nam; this lady who used to sing country music in Nashville; Pamela who loves to eat lettuce; and Levi, who is just as white and middle class as I am but loves to call me "yuppie" nonetheless.

And don't forget that your driver is extroverted, too--he'll be expecting a "have a nice day, see you tomorrow," as you step off the bus.

2006-05-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

A Neo-Neoconservative Critique of Bush Foreign Policy

I just finished reading America at the Crossroads by Francis Fukuyama, the most thoughtful critique of Bush foreign policy that I have heard/read thus far. Fukuyama writes the book as a reaction to those connected w/ the Bush Administration who have usurped and modified the neoconservative label and, as a consequence of present failures in the Middle East, are effectively delegitimizing Neoconservatism as a foreign policy school. Fukuyama attempts to salvage the pillar principles of traditional Neoconservatism, which are:

The conviction that the internal character of a regime matters deeply, and that a nation's foreign policy is a natural extension of this inner character.
The belief that morality (moral governance, human rights, etc.) can and should play a fundamental role in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, and that the U.S. should remain actively engaged in world affairs.
A skepticism towards the efficacy of international institutions and international law (while at the same time admitting that these entities are essential)
A high degree of distrust towards "social engineering" as a means to achieve foreign policy ends.

Fukuyama makes the case that while Bush foreign policy meets the first two criteria points, it failed miserably at the last. Specifically, Bush policy was too optimistic about its ability to root out violence in Iraq and supplant it with a unified and flourishing Iraqi democracy. This is easy to say in retrospect, obviously. But I think Fukuyama makes a good argument that from the start, the Bush administration overestimated the danger presented in the Middle East, it was too confident in military abilities, and it largely ignored avenues of "soft power," namely economic and political development.

Fukuyama has created a whole new school of foreign policy thought called "Realistic Wilsonianism." Admittedly, these are loaded terms, but from what I understand Fukuyama is trying to preserve those four tenants of Old School Neconservatism, with an emphasis on economic and political development--two enterprises about which he has some really good things to say in his book.

I like Fukuyama's framework a lot. I especially appreciate his recognition of the moral quality that is so essential and fundamental to a good foreign policy. Yet his idealism is not naive--he is realistic in his observance of the important of international cooperation (even while reform is needed) and in his choice of long-term economic and political development as a principal foreign policy tool.

While I'm still hoping for some success in Iraqi nation-building (maybe in this new government?), I hope that the mountain of mistakes that have accumulated these past years by self-stylized neoconservatives will not result in a shift in U.S. foreign policy to a stance of isolationism or cold realism, which are both morally naive and ultimately unrealistic.

2006-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

A Memorable Day at St. Mary's

Yesterday the fam went to St. Mary's Glacier, near Idaho Springs, CO. The outing featured the standard elements of any outing or occassion in which my family gets together and does something, to include disagreements, humor, stress, and a series of small crisis. But in the end things usually come together, and we can pull off a nice family photo (See Exhibit A). This evidence can then be wielded to prove to our friends and relatives that we are indeed the perfect family.

The Fam, plus Shannon's boyfriend A.J. (on the right)

Sisters Shannon and Beth, who just graduated from Smoky Hill High School on Friday. We sat through 800 names and a dozen bad speeches, but seeing Bethy walk was well worth it.

2006-05-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Corona Caps and the Secret to Dealing with Airline Employees

Today I am in Denver. It is really quite miraculous that I am here. Let me explain. Yesterday afternoon I arrived at Chattanooga Airport, ready to board a tin-can, which was to then take me to Chicago, a real airport, by way of getting me back home to CO.

At arriving in the terminal, however, I soon discovered that my flight--one of American Airlines' three daily departures--was canceled. (How did I discover this? Certainly not from the sign behind the check-in desk that was scripted in 12-pt font.) After waiting in line for over an hour, the lady at the desk informed me that "Getting west is difficult," then without further words handed me a ticket for a flight departing almost 24 hours later. This is the best you can do, I asked suprised. Apparently, so. I walked away and thought a second about how absurd this was--five folks in front somehow were getting to Chicago through another airline later that night, and the older lady behind me was given a ticket for a 6:30 am flight to Chicago the next morning, which at least beat 2:30, later in the afternoon.

I walked back to the front of the line, and informed the lady that it didn't matter which airline I flew on, or how late I got into Denver, I wanted to leave tonight. Rejected. What about any kind of compensation for my troubles? Rejected. By now Miss ticket jockey was getting peeved. Again, I walked away, dumbfounded.

After calling my dad, who further convinced me of the injustive that was being commited against me, I walked back to the counter for the third time. This time, I took off my mesh Corona cap. (Let me back up--I actually hate Corona, and furthermore hate apparel that features beer logos. Yet, I was sporting this garb in nostolgic honor of my good friend Gilli, whom I was missing immensely). I was helped by the guy at the next counter. Without saying a word, and after doing a five minute "Meet the Parents" typing shpeel on his computer, the guy ran over to the Continental ticket booth and came back w/ a 7:05 flight out of Dodgetown.

All the while Miss ticket-jockey continues to keep one eye on me. Later, she passes me on my way to security. Only later did I realize that at this point she was on her way back from giving the security guys a heads up on the guy wearing the Corona hat (which I had since put back on). As it were, at security I was subjected to a complete pat-down, followed by a questioning of the legitimacy of my ticket.

But I made it past the Man. And I'm home. Moral of the story: Apparently I'm not the only person that doesn't like Corona.

2006-05-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Vroeg Blog, "New and Improved"

Associated Press Release

In September of 2005, "Vroeg Blog" publicly announced its competitive entrance into the blogging world. While the online marathon training journal featured a candid and kingly portion of heart and soul for any runner to feast on, it didn't get very many hits.

After extensive research and survey analysis, a contracted marketing team came to the conclusion that "Vroeg Blog" was no good because it was inattentive to reader interests. To illustrate, one survey response read: "I hate to run." Another: "Running sucks, why would anyone do it, let alone write about it?" When asked if any positive reader feedback ever actually came back regarding the journal's content, author vroeg thought hard and responded, "Well, my roommate's girlfriend once told me that she read it faithfully...and I think Emily Caldwell thought it was good."

In response to these studies and an entire semester's worth of deliberation, "Vroeg Blog" today announced that it is launching a "new era" in its evolutionary development. "Basically," explained vroeg at a press conference earlier today, "I'm still going to write about whatever the heck I want to, but not running." Specific improvements to the site include the addition of columns about politics, personal experiences, and the timeless reflections of an introvert. The journal also promises to publish photos more frequently, although this time not of vroeg wearing running shorts.

The journal author hopes that "Vroeg Blog" can be used as a venue for thought, humor, and for keeping up with old friends, although nothing can ever replace old school keeping up. "Vroeg Blog" can still be accessed through its original domain name http://vroeg.blogspot.com/

And for those rogue marathoners yearning for inspiration, old entries are still there, running shorts and all.

2005-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Some Marathon Pics...

My race time was actually a minute less than this b/c I started w/ the second waves.

And here, I'm about to die.

2005-12-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 4th

It's done. 3:26:30. Response: physical achiness and elated relief.

Yesterday, I ran the 1st half w/ a 3:20 pace group, and I was doing fine keeping up until about mile 19, when I seemed to hit a pyschological wall, or maybe I just began to notice the jolting pain that every stride sent through every muscle of my legs. My calves and arches especially ached. (Fortunately, I didn't suffer from any serious cramps, shin splints, knee pain or other issues) The last half I probably slowed down progressively. My last mile was probably in the 8-9 minute range. At that point it took everthing I had to not walk (even though a normal person could have probably walked faster).

Afterwards every muscle of my body ached, it seemed, it even hurt to chew. But the elation of having finished the race was incredible. I probably spent the next half hour wandering around in a daze in my thermal blanket (I didn't hear the announcer say my name as I crossed the finish line, nor did I hear the girls from Covenant cheering).

Ben Bruhn qualified for the Boston (time: 3:08). Nathan had some cramping, but he was able to finish sub-4:00.

(Things to remember: don't eat so much the night before; don't eat the "coffee-flavored gu;" get some insoles; pace a little bit slower; stretch a bit more before; prep for the "wall" at mile 19/20; pace the drinking better--more at the beginning and end and less towards the middle)

The temp was perfect: overcast, upper 40s/lower 5os. Memphis is a sweet city, although I didn't notice as much of the scenary as I had hoped to. It looked like there were some sweet pubs, coffee shops, and blues houses.

What's next? A month of vacation (from running that is, the rest of life treks steadily ahead). After that maybe I'll begin training for a half-m. But we'll see.

I praise the LORD for sustaining me through the training and the race, injury-free and w/ success. The last hour of the race was a perpetual prayer for perseverence and focus, and He delivered, as he had been doing these past 3 months. He is faithful to give his children the desires of their hearts, despite their vain ambitions. For the sake of his Son, he takes joy in this. And he takes joy in me.

"When I run, I feel His pleasure." -Eric Liddle

Thursday, Dec 2nd.

20 minutes, easy run.

Tuesday, November 30th.

30 minutes easy run.

2005-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 27th.

About 4 miles. Webster Groves.

This was a last-ditch effort to squeeze in a little mileage to make up a little for the deficit I'm running this week (this run was supposed to be 8 miles, and take place last Thursday). Needless to say, sleeping in, drinking beer, watching movies, and eating Turkey are not life skills conducive to a disciplined marathon training schedule. But the holistic rest and relaxation, I trust, will be worth the 4 mile deficit.

Two more easy runs and I'm off to Memphis, baby. (Jake Childs dropped out of training b/c of a hurt ankle). This coming week I will need to especially eat healthy, run carefully, stretch plenty, and get plenty of sleep.

My mom renewed my subscription to Runner's World. Thanks, mom.

Friday, November 25th.

About 10 miles. Webster Groves to Kirkwood and back.

I ran this one in the morning, and it was pretty dang cold. I was coldest about halfway through the run when I realized that my arms were numb. But my legs were fine, my core kept pretty warm and I'm not sick so I guess I dressed appropriately. Very little soreness afterwards.

Wednesday, November 23rd.

About 3 miles. Webster Groves, St. Louis.

Visiting ZW. A beautiful crisp afternoon. A light breeze blew torrents of fallen leaves along the sidewalk. Slept about 12 hours last night. Yeah, man. Didn't run Tuesday due to lack of time/sleep. Supposed to be 3 x 1600.

Saturday, November 19th.

About 14 miles. From St. Elmo to Hunter Museum, down riverwalk and back.

A good run w/ Ben and Nathan. No soreness, still had some leftover energy.

Thursday, November 17th

4 miles.

2005-11-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 15th

6 x 400s. Mostly soccer field.

A beautiful day for running. A front was moving in so the sky was cloudy and breezy. Trails too covered in leaves to be safe. My calves and shins were a bit tight, but they did alright. Energy sapped a bit still from 20-miler. Ran w/ David (cross country runner) and Ben. A nice run.

Saturday, November 12th

20 miles. Chattanooga/St Elmo

Ran from St. Elmo to Hunter Art Museum (4 miles) and down Riverwalk (3 miles), back to St Elmo (7 miles), down St Elmo Ave to RR tracks and back (6 miles). Ran 1st 14 mi w/ Jake Childs. Began our run at about 8:30. Temps at first were in the 40s, probably v similar to what Memphis will be. V comfortable. My knees felt ok, and I was not as sore as afterwards as I am after running on the Mt--it's gotta be the hills that kills them. Recovery was very good. So tired on Sat night that I went to bed at 7:30. I'm getting too old for this, apparently.

After drinking some gatorade at the car and parting w/ Childs, I put on some Collective Soul to get me through the last 6 mile stretch. Using Paige's Ipod Shuffle felt a bit articficial and a bit like cheating, but the grooves were instant adrenaline. "She said" has beat that was in-tempo w/ my pace. Quite an incredible rush. Contemplating using it for the last stretch of the Marathon...we'll see.

Basically, I'm stoked that my training has climaxed and can now wane down. I'm v thankful that my body is putting up w/ all this, and that there haven't been any major setbacks.

Thursday, November 10th

5 miles. Trails/Road/powerline trail.

Ran w/ Jake and David and Nathan.

Tuesday, November 8th

4.5 miles, intervals. On trails/soccer field.

Nathan and Ben and I. Ran 400 meters at easier pace, than picked up for 800 miles. Repeated 6 times.

2005-11-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 5th.

8.5 miles. Point Park, etc.

I ran, it hurt. Today was supposed to be a 15-miler but I lacked the energy and will to pull it off. The knee is ok.

Running is becoming a chore...I need some inspiration. Anything short of a close encounter with Eric Little's ghost won't do it.

Friday, November 4th.

5 miles. Power line trail, etc.

About an hour before dusk on the powerline trail is beautiful during the falltime.

Other than that, I ran and it hurt.

Thursday, November 3rd

3 miles. Trails.

W/ cross-country team. Did 100m speeds every 6 minutes. Not feeling the flow.

Tuesday, November 1st

3 miles. Trails.

I ran. It hurt.

2005-10-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday, October 29

18 miles (or something like that). All over the place.

Very difficult to will myself to run this one, especially during the first 5 miles. I ran to Point Park, around the gulf course on the Mt. (found a great view of the college from the driving range), on the trails down the power line and back via 189. My knees felt ok during the run, although the past 36 hours of recovery have been rough--I should go see a trainer tommorow. I decided it's the upper/inner edge of my kneecap that hurts--a sharp pain that doesn't hurt when I'm standing but when there's no pressure on it.

The last several miles of this run hurt, and for the first time I begin to get a taste for the total body pain that I will experience in the marathon--my mouth and throat parched with a dry thirst in , every joint aching with each jolt of the body, core body heat beginning to leave my chest, stomach tightening and tying itself in a knot, my shoulders stiff from the same monotonous movements for the past 3 hours, my eyesight hazy from 18 miles of passing trees. This is marathon training. Is it good for me? How can it be? But I can't stop.

Thursday, October 27th

5-6 miles. Ruby Falls Nature Reserve.

I ran with the guys cross country team, uphill 20 minutes, then downhill. An incredible run. On the way back down my strides got huge and I felt like I was pumping the entire way, yet I could have kept going. Gravity helped alot, I'm sure, but I think that my physiological stars were in line, so to speak. Wore knee band again. Knee felt fine. (Biked on wednesday.)

Running with the team has been great, and has done much to restore a love for running to me. Often I assume running with others takes some of the self-competition away, but I find that it does the opposite--social running checks me when I want to slow down, challenges me to push for a harder pace, even while making the ride more enjoyable. I'm learning that this is the case for many things in life--they're done better in the context of a community.

Tuesday, October 25th

6 miles.

Ran w/ some guys on the cross country team. Trails and powerline

2005-10-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 22nd.

15 miles. Point Park and HWY 157.

Painful run. I ran the regular Point Park loop w/ an additional loop I discovered today down towards Lookout Mt. Pres. (lets me spend more time on that scenic side of the MT. and it includes a nice quarter mile path). Then I finished off my mileage running down Hwy 157. Knees hurt the last 5 or so miles (still hurt 8 hours later). The pain is focused right under my knee caps. I think I'll go see the trainer this week. Heather Wilson suggested I use these support bands that go just below the knees the next time I run. I'm guessing the pain is largely a result of the exclusive hill running that I do b/c it's not as bad when I run on a level surface.

Got barked at by some dog pretty much every 2 miles. None of them were scary, or had any reason to bark, for that matter. It's like they just felt that it was their duty as dogs to bark, and so I was a good opportunity for them to do so. Ponder that philosophical truth.

Fall has finally showed up on the Mt, and it's a beautiful thing. Few sights can match a quarter mile stretch of empty highway lined with trees that look as if they're on fire. The hazy sky, the crisp breeze...I live in a sweet place.

Thursday, October 20th.

5-6 miles. Trails/powerline trail/HWY 157.

Good run. I can feel the good effects of rest.

Thursday, October 13th.

2.5 miles. Trails.

One of the worst runs I've had in a long time. I will take Fall Break to rest completely from running. I'm going to Gulfport, Mississippi to do flood recovery work, so I imagine I'll lack the time/energy to run anyways.

Tuesday, October 11th.

8.5 miles. Point Park Loop.

2005-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 9th

13 miles. To Point Park and back, 2 miles south on Scenic Hwy and back.

I was going to run at 7am, but it was too dark. Went at about 3:00. I took an easy pace. Another cool and foggy day, just about perfect weather, although I think the cold made my knees sore a but quicker. I was struck w/ the reminder once again of how stinkin beautiful this mountain is too run on...I can't take this intrinsic worth for granted just because I'm "training."

I brought a notecard w/ Ps 139:1-6 written on it to memorize and meditate on. (A conversation with Jerry Bridges inspired me choose this chapter...I'd like to memorize all of it, Lord willing) What a "high" and "wonderful" thought to know that my God knows me better than I do. I can endeavor to "know thyself," but so often I'm a mystery even to myself, and so ultimate comfort and wisdom can only be founded on the fact that my Creator and my Father knows perfectly my path, my thoughts, my words, even my disposition and my ways. Praise be to Him who has known, created, and purposed my most "inward parts."

Friday, October 7th

5-6 miles. Trails.

It was too foggy to run safely on the roads, so I opted for the trails. The fog and light rain gave the run a still and peaceful abiance. Tried out the long-sleeve polyseter shirt my mom sent me, and it kept me dry and warm. Thanks, mom.

2005-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 5th

About 3.5 miles. Outer Trail Loop, twice.

Better run than Monday. This was my approximation of 4x1200 sprints...sometimes I ran harder than I normally would. Again, I'm following the Furman program schematically. I need to restore my enjoyment of running at this point b/c I've been too tired lately. Key to this is taking it easy for a while. The epihany came to me that I should start reversing my path while on the trails--clockwise rather than counter clockwise--which might ease some pains I've had, better develop muscles that have been less developed, and possibly prevent future injuries. I also need to learn some new stretches, I think. Did nothing yesterday. Will stationary bike tommorow.

Monday, October 3rd.

About 2.5 miles on Trail.

Tired. Need to sleep more, rest more.

2005-10-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 30.

17 miles. Covenant-Point Park Loop, twice.

About 2.75 hours. I opted to run this day b/c I went out of town for the weekend, and I seriously doubted I'd have the will or place to run in Asheville. The run was definitely difficult, and my pace was slow during the last quarter when I really started feeling my sore knees, jolted from all the up and down-hilling. Temps were in the 70s, so running in the middle of day (about 12-3) wasn't so bad. This time I took a road that runs behind the Lookout Mt. Cafe, which veers to the left of Lookout Mt. Pres., thus traveling the same elevation as always but avoiding the sharp ascension dealt by the Hill of Hades. I put a 16 oz bottle filled w/ gatorade at the entrance to Covenant which was GREAT to have at the halfway point--it refreshed my body and gave me a huge morale boost at a critical time. This and 6 Swedish Fishies kept me going the last half.

Pretty dang sore on Friday but surprisingly felt fine on Saturday.

This morning Indelible Grace led our chapel worship, right before I began my run. It was hard going from an environment of corporate worship to being alone on the road for 3 hours. Something I've thought about since Friday morning: the Christian faith is about rest. Ironically attractive, the import that this can have while you're running. Rest is a beautiful thing.

2005-09-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 28

8x800 (alternating sprints and slows). Cross-country trail 800 loop.

Run went pretty well. Wore my trail shoes. Left ankle a bit sore (has been for about a week). I could have used more sleep these past 2 nights. And I ate a bit too much lunch. Played football monday, biked yesterday. Run preceded by a wrestling match w/ Feero, instigated by me, but because he threw a ball at my face (but only because I dissed the South, allegedly).

Going to rest tommorow and get lots of sleep. Friday I'm going for the weekend 17-miler b/c I'll be in A-ville and it probably won't be convenient to run there. Found out that Jake Childs on my hall is going to run in Memphis, too. That makes three of us, w/ Ben Bruhn.

While I was running my imagination was apparently going harder, and I had this mental picture of myself crossing the finish line in Memphis and hurling. That would be pretty cool.

2005-09-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Vroeg

2005-09-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 25.

12 Miles. Lookout Mt. About 2 hrs.

5 weeks into training, 10 weeks before the marathon. The Furman plan called for 15 miles today, but time matters more than distance, and 12 miles on the hilly Mt. definitely equals 15 on level ground. Ran from school to Point Park and back, then down Hwy 189 to mile marker 17 and back. Knees started hurting at mile 9, but I feel good now. 6 hours of sleep last night, but 9+ the night before. Overall, very pleased, esp. with the fact that I didn't need to slow down and catch my breath after the "Hill of Hades" that runs by Lookout Mt. Pres. Maybe it was the Swedish Fishies.

Found out from Plunk's parents that Memphis near the river is relatively flat. Good news.

It was a beautiful morning, overcast, breezy, and every once in a while my eye caught a few falling leaves. Is fall finally hitting TN? As I started out, I reflected on God's indelible presence, and how He was with me here on this barren, windy road at 7:30 on a Sunday morning. Running can be lonely, but this gave me comfort and encouragement.

2005-09-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to start a blog, my first one at that. And this blog of mine will be devoted to my personal escapades in the sport of running.

"Why would you do such a thing," one might interject at this point, "running is for antelope and squirrels and naked Greek Olympians." Well, I respond reflectively, sometimes I'm not quite sure why I run...it actually hurts quite a bit...and keeping a blog about the boring details of my runs and the pains that I experience thereafter does sound fruitless for anyone else but me. But then I guess that's primarilly why anyone starts a blog in the first place--for self-centered reasons. Not that this is bad--it's just true. But then maybe it's this admission (that we're doing it for ourselves) that frees us to be ourselves--faults and all--and actually makes our bellowing soliloquies actually interesting and edifying to others. Enough of that. Here are the details....

1. My Experience: Almost Nil. I've been a casual runner since middle school. I came to Covenant College, Lookout Mt. GA 3 years ago and began running the trails after afternoon classes. Through this, having friends who have run marathons, and being exposed to and strangely inspired by the quirky running culture that exists in the world, I've ambitioned to become a runner.

2. My Ambition: 26.2 miles. My first marathon, the St. Jude's Hospital Marathon. December 3rd. Memphis, TN. My goal? To finish, although it would be awesome to do it under 3:30.

3. My Means: Running alot. I'm using the Furman Training Program, which basically calls for 3 runs a week and cross-training when possible. (I'm a history major and so not really a technical guy so I'm not always so precise in the precise speeds and distances you're supposed to maintain according to this program--I just go for the "essence" of the program). To inspire me, I have a pair of Nike Pegasus shoes, some great friends, orange gatorade powder, Swedish fishies, Runner's World, and some short running shorts.

And that's what my log blog is all about....